Abstract

BackgroundLifestyle surveys are traditionally used for collecting detailed population information aboutindividual behaviours that impact on health. However, declining response rates and theunder-representation of certain population groups in lifestyle survey data has led touncertainty over the accuracy of any findings. In order to maximise response rates, amixed-methods approach is now recommended. This review was carried out in order toexamine the methodological literature related to the administration of lifestyle surveys andthe implications for response rates. It was envisaged that the results of this review couldprovide a valuable resource for those involved in undertaking lifestyle surveys.MethodsA review of the empirical evidence and published literature on the methodologicalconsiderations associated with administration of lifestyle surveys, specifically in relation tomaximising response rates, was carried out. A search for ‘grey literature’ was alsoconducted using the internet, and citation tracking was performed on all retrieved articles.A request for examples of relevant lifestyle survey work, particularly those incorporatingmixed-methods designs and/or strategies to increase response rates, was distributed toseveral Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) across England. The responses are illustrated as‘good practice’ case studies.ResultsThe postal questionnaire remains an important lifestyle survey tool, but response rateshave decreased rapidly in recent years. Interviews and telephone surveys arerecommended in order to supplement data from postal questionnaires to overcome anyliteracy and language barriers. These approaches are advocated to increase responserates in some population groups, but costs may be prohibitive. Electronic surveys are acheaper alternative, but the evidence seems to suggest that the use of the internet doesnot appear to increase overall response rates to surveys. Evidence on the use ofincentives suggests they can be effective at increasing response rates, but only if their useis tailored to the design of the survey and to the characteristics of target populations.ConclusionsThe empirical evidence was not robust enough to make definitive recommendations, butinformation from the published literature, along with examples of ‘good practice’ in lifestylesurvey work suggests that supplementing, or offering different survey modes, alongsidetargeted maximisation strategies can increase coverage and also, with careful planning,can prove to be cost-effective.